Comfort
Three nights at Two Mashatus camp : this camp is situated close to the Limpopo river. Four large walk-in tents are pitched on teak platforms with ensuite enviro-loo and hot shower. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area on which to relax during the afternoons. Traditionally built Lala palm rondavels serve as dining area and lounge. Small plunge pool available.
Two nights in Kgotla camp : the Kgotla is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guest sleeps on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre.
Two nights at Tree Camp: A unique camp built 4 meters above the ground, around the boughs of an ancient Mashatu tree and two lead wood trees. Overlooking the banks of the Majale River, this spot offers a spectacular panoramic view of the adjacent cliffs and flood plain opposite where Mashatu's legendary elephant herds roam. Five beautiful, spacious canvas roofed areas house four poster beds and classic antique furniture. There is a separate area for showers and toilets. There is a spacious dining and lounge area on the elevated platform for relaxing.
No Wi-Fi or mobile reception.
Meals
Breakfast is usually taken very early (before dawn) and is therefore light, consisting of cereals, fruit and rusks with tea or coffee.
Lunch is also light and may be quiche and salad or a variety of salads with cold meats.
High tea in the afternoon with a selection of drinks and freshly baked cakes.
Dinner is three courses. Wine is served with the meals and a selection of drinks are available.
Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for with advance notice.
Climate
The seasons are the reverse of the UK, with winter (June - Sept) being dry with no rain and clear skies. Daytime temperatures are pleasant and the nights are cool.
Summer (Nov - March) is hot and there is the chance of dramatic thunderstorms.
Guide and local team
You will be accompanied by two riding guides - a lead guide and a back-up guide - one of which will carry a rifle. The lead guides (West, Mpho or David) have been guiding for many years and are very knowledgeable and experienced.
Tips
We recommend tipping c. GBP 10-15 per day which will be split between the entire team. If you go on a game drive then your guide will appreciate a small tip. You can tip in South African Rands, GBP and euros.
If you wish to tip your guide separately then you may do so.
Packing list
Specific Recommendations
Due to your light aircraft transfer, luggage restrictions apply. Luggage type and weight:
- Maximum luggage weight is 20 kg/44 lbs, 40 cm x 30 cm x 60 cm (Soft luggage/duffle with 1 flat side only, and no protruding wheels).
- Hand luggage is 5 kg/11 lbs (1 soft piece)
- You can also have your “ladies” handbag with you - but please limit the size and do not try to squash extra clothing/equipment inside them. The charter planes are much smaller than normal planes and thus have limited space.
Should your luggage exceed these limitations, you will not be able to load it. Excess luggage remains the responsibility of the passenger.
Please note: in the case of a light aircraft transfer, please note that planes don't necessarily have a separate luggage compartments, and carry-on regulations may apply. Remember that safari camps provide shampoo and soap, as well as alcohol, so make sure to pack accordingly.
Liquid Restrictions:
Perfume- 50ml
Eau de Toilette – (250 ml)
Non-flammable and Non-alcoholic liquids – 500ml per container. A combined total of no more than 2l in checked bags.
Pocket knifes/Leatherman’s and other sharp objects:
These need to be packed into passengers checked bags and will not be allowed in carry-on bags.
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided, particularly for light air transfers. See above.
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Laundry service is provided
Head
- You will be required to wear a hard hat when riding and you should take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold, particularly June - August
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Rain is more likely Oct-April
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for plunge pools
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. Some toiletries are provided by the camps so you can pack lighter.
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Anti malarial tablets and Yellow Fever Certificate if required (check with your doctor)
